Fire extinguisher

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a fire extinguisher comprising a container for extinguishing fluid and an internal bag used as a retainer of a blasting charge.

The invention relates to a device and a method for extinguishing,especially for extinguishing of forest fires.

It is known that water-aerosol-mist has a specially good extinguishingefficiency. This is partly because the heart of the fire is suffocateddue to the aerosol-mist. Furthermore, heat is drawn from the fire by theevaporation of the water that is present as specially fine mist. From WO97/06858 A1 it is known, to transport a blasting bag filled with waterwith a helicopter and to drop it over a fire. With the blasting bagdropping free, a blasting charge inside the bag will be detonated.Through the pressures thus created, the blasting bag is destroyed andthe water situated therein is suddenly transformed into a aerosol-mist.For security reasons, this known method has not pulled through inconstant praxis.

From this starting point it is an objective of the invention, to furtherenhance the known extinguishing method and the components used thereforein such a manner that they can be used safely.

This objective is solved by the object of the independent claims.Preferred embodiments of the invention are mentioned in the dependentclaims.

According to the invention, the proposed extinguishing device has acontainer for an extinguishing fluid and an inner bag as holding-devicefor a blasting charge. The use of an inner bag as a keeping device for ablasting charge has the advantage that the blasting charge can be heldseparately from the extinguishing fluid and treated separately. Thus theinfluence of the extinguishing fluid on the blasting charge can beavoided on the one side. On the other side, the blasting charge can bebrought into the position desired for the blasting in an easy mannerafter the container has been filled.

As container, every body is suitable that can hold extinguishing fluidand that can be at least partially destroyed through the detonation of ablasting charge, to set the extinguishing fluid free in form of anaerosol. Preferably, the container is made of water tight material.

The blasting charge can contain any type of explosive that is in anappropriate quantity able to produce a pressure-wave after detonationthat transforms the extinguishing-fluid into an aerosol-mist. TNT isespecially preferred as explosive. Per container, different types ofexplosive can be foreseen at the same time, especially in order toinfluence the form and/or propagation of the aerosol-mist, especially ina given geometric arrangement.

An extinguishing fluid in the terms of the invention is any fluid thatcan be transformed into an aerosol by means of a pressure-wave. Water isa preferred extinguishing-fluid. Furthermore, mixtures of water andspecial additives are preferred. These additives can for example be foamcreator or for example other, flame suffocating agents or agents thathinder a flair up or new ignition.

The inner bag is preferably made flexible and especially at leastpartially produced from a textile. As an alternative, the inner bag canbe made from plastic, especially by means of a stiff plastic body,especially plastic tubes. The plastic tubes can preferably be screwedtogether at their ends.

The inner bag is preferably perforated with wholes. In this manner, theexplosive is partially in direct contact with the fluid. This enables agood propagation of the pressure wave, which leads to an efficientmisting of the fluid.

To reduce the production efforts for the containers, these arepreferably produced in standard sizes, especially in sizes for 25 to 50kg, 250 kg, 500 to 1000 kg and 1000 to 5000 kg of extinguishing fluid.Sizes above 5000 kg of extinguishing fluid can also be produced. About25 to 50 kg extinguishing fluid is used for small size fires beginningwith camp side fire sizes, about 250 kg extinguishing fluid is used byarea fires up to 100 square meters, about 500 to 1000 kg extinguishingfluid is used with area fires larger than 100 square meters and about a1000 to 5000 kg extinguishing fluid is used with large fires.

The blasting charge can be held with the holding device within theextinguishing fluid, especially where a specially even transformation ofthe extinguishing fluid into an aerosol is to be achieved. Especiallygood results where achieved, when the blasting charge was held in thecentre of mass of the filled, free falling container. It can, however,be preferable, to arrange the blasting charge outside the centre ofmass.

In a specially cheep manner, the container can be made from a textile,whereby the textile can be any woven, knitted material or material madein any other fashion from fibres or strings. Preferably the textile iseither woven in such a way, that it is water tight, or made water tightby impregnation. Preferably the container can also be made in adifferent fashion, for example as one piece from plastics. Especiallypreferred, the container is water tight.

In a preferred embodiment, the container has an inner container thatimmediately surrounds and holds the extinguishing fluid. This allows forthe advantage that the inner container can be designed especially forholding the water fluid, for example especially water tight, whileseparate there from, the container can be designed according torequirements that are pre-given through the transport, for exampleespecially tear-resistant in the direction of load, for example in thelifting direction. Preferably, the inner container is tightly connectedwith the container, for example by means of bonding. In a furtherpreferred embodiment, the inner container has separate layers.Especially preferred, the inner container has three layers and consistsof three contour bags. The outer of these contour bags is bonded to theinner side of the container, preferably at certain dots, and is of thetype of an inner coating of the container. The contour bag immediatelyadjacent thereto on the inner side operates as additional tightening-and gliding layer for the inner most contour bag.

In addition or as alternative, the container and/or the inner containercan have an inner coating. This coating can serve to make the containeror the inner container, respectively, water tight. The coating ispreferably persistently elastic.

Preferably, the container and/or the inner container are made of abiologically degradable material. By means of the explosion thecontainer and, if present, the inner container are destroyed and areleft at the site of use. Since due to the high efficiency of theaerosol-mist it cannot be guaranteed, that the remainder of thecontainer and/or the inner container are burned through the fire, it isadvantageous for the environmentally correct use of the extinguishingdevice according to the invention, if these are made from biologicallydegradable material. In an especially preferred embodiment, theoccurring remainders of the container and/or the inner container are notharmful for animals, if they are taken up as food or with the food.

Since for extinguishing the container is preferably transported by meansof a aeronautical vehicle to the heart of the fire and is dropped there,it is advantageous if the container has an aerodynamically favourableshape in an preferred embodiment. Especially, the container has the formof a drop, at least when it has been dropped above the heart of the fireand is in free flight. Alternatively, the container or the innercontainer respectively can be designed as a sphere, a cuboid or aroller, in order to fulfil the requirements of an even propagation ofthe aerosol-mist or the compactness combined with high transportquantities.

In order to facilitate the transport of the container in air and toeasily align the container into the desired position for the drop and inorder to give the container a predetermined flight path after the drop,the container can in a preferred embodiment have elements on itsoutside, especially preferred flight stabilizing elements. These can forexample be wings, tales or breaking parachutes.

In order to be handled easily during a transport, the container can, ina preferred embodiment, have gripping-loops for gripping elements of atransport device. As gripping-loops any type of form is understood, thatcan be used with accordingly designed gripping elements, in order tomove the container, especially in order to lift the container.Especially preferred, the gripping-loops are hanging-loops, loops, hooksor rings. Gripping pockets can, as an example, be provided.

Any device is understood as a transporting device that can transport thecontainer. This device can be a roll-wagon, in which the container isinserted, or for example a crane. Especially preferred as a transportingdevice is however an aeronautical vehicle, whereby according to theunderstanding of this invention an aeronautical vehicle contains anyflying means, especially aeroplanes, helicopters or balloons.

If a container is used, that is shaped as a peak on one side, thegripping loops are preferably positioned at this end. The gripping loopis especially preferred a attachment-tape or string, that is worked intothe container wall, especially into a textile wall.

In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, the containerhas a filling opening for filling in the extinguishing fluid at its top.This opening allows for an easy filling of the container. Especiallypreferred, this opening of the container is made such, that a containermade as a bag can be put into a filling holder, that can for example bemade of cylindrical form, and can with parts of the outer wallsurrounding the opening be laid over the bordering walls of the fillingholder. In this manner, a bag shaped container can be held in goodfashion in the filling holder. Alternatively, for example withcontainers that have a peak, a filling opening can be foreseen at theside, especially in the area of the peak.

Preferably the opening in the container, the inner container and/or theinner bag respectively can be closed by means of an attachment tape or astring, by means of pulling together the string worked into thecontainer wall, preferably into the wall of a textile container, andthereby closing the opening. Preferably, the attachment tape can bedesigned on the inner wall of the opening. Thereby, it is protectedagainst damage and does not hinder the handling of the container. Asattachment tape, binder (cable binder) can be used.

Alternatively or in addition, the opening in the container, the innerbag and/or especially the inner container can be closed by means ofwelding. In this fashion, an especially water tight closing is achieved.

The opening foreseen for filling the container, the inner container, orthe inner bag respectively can have an finishing piece, especially afilling nozzle, that aids the filling, which is preferably attached inan detachable manner to the container, or can be inserted into theopening. Especially, the filling nozzle can be made detachable.

Where a container with an inner container is used, the openings of thecontainer and the inner container can preferably be aligned with eachother. The bordering edges of the openings are preferably connected toeach other, for example bonded together.

Especially with a container that has a peak on one side and an innercontainer, but also in other arrangements, the inner container canpreferably have a form with a peak on one side and is filled throughthis peak, whereby the peak can be taken through an opening at the sideof the peak of the container. After filling, the opening of the innercontainer can be closed, for example by means of strings provided at theopening, and can be connected into the peak of the container from theinside. For this, the opening arranged at the side of the container canbe reached through and the peak of the inner container can be connectedwith the inside of the peak of the container.

Preferably, the inner bag is adjustable in its length, for examplestrings connected to the edges of the inner bag, for example connectedto the bottom of the inner bag or the lower wall regions of the bag canbe arranged for. By means of pulling in the strings, the inner bag canbe shortened. In this manner, the inner bag can be arranged in such amanner within the container, that the blasting charge arranged in theinner bag can be held in the desired position, for example in the centreof mass of the container. By means of changing the length of the innerbag, for example by changing the length of the string, the inner bag canalso be lengthened and shortened in such a way, that the blasting chargecan be held above or below the centre of mass, if this is desired.

Preferably the inner bag is designed as an elongated hose, closed at oneend, with an opening aligned with the opening of the container or theinner container respectively. Such an arrangement allows the inner bagto be filled with the blasting charge from the outside, when thecontainer or the inner container respectively are already filled.

Alternatively or in addition, the inner bag can be connected with thecontainer or the inner container respectively by means of strings. Thestrings connected to the upper areas of the inner bag are preferablyconnected with their other ends to the container or the inner containerrespectively in the area of the opening of the container or the innercontainer, respectively. Then also, the inner bag can be easily filled,by means of pulling it up with the strings, until the opening of theinner bag is in the area of the opening of the container or the innercontainer respectively.

Preferably, the inner bag has a filling end, that has a opening forfilling the inner bag with the blasting charge, that can preferably beclosed, and a closed, opposite end. Preferably, the closed end isconnected to the inner side of the container or the inner container,respectively, by means of a string. For this, the container or innercontainer, respectively, can, at a suitable position, have a button,preferably a mushroom shaped button, onto which the string can beconnected. Especially preferred, the container or the inner containerrespectively has a further closable opening in the area of the buttonthat allows the string of the inner bag to be easily connected to thecontainer or the inner container, respectively. Alternatively, thestring can be fixedly connected to the container or the inner container,respectively, for example welded to it.

In addition or alternatively, strings can be foreseen, that connect tothe inner bag at the side. These strings are preferably connected to thesides of the inner container or the container, respectively, and can beused to improve the positioning of the inner bag.

The fixings of the inner container, especially the strings provided atthe closed end, but also the strings for hanging up the inner container,are preferably made elastic.

In order to facilitate the insertion of the detonation cable for theblasting charge from the outside, at the time when the blasting chargeis inserted into the inner bag, the detonator and the detonation cableend connected to the detonator are preferably already connected to theblasting charge when the blasting charge in inserted into the inner bag.

A closure for the container or the inner container preferably has meansfor leading through of the detonation cable for example a leadingthrough plug. When closing the inner container, this plug can beinserted into the thus closed opening by means of welding.

Preferably a reflector is arranged on the outside of the container. Thisreflector allows for controlling of the flight path/position of thecontainer, for example by means of a laser tracker. This reflector ispreferably designed as a foil. In a specially preferred manner, areceiver is connected with the foil, which is connected to the containerthrough the foil. This receiver can be designed in such a way, that itcan receive and analyse sent signals, for example light signals orradio-frequency signals or the like. In this manner, influence can beput on the detonator, for example the detonation time can be changed.

The method according to the invention, a container is filled with anextinguishing fluid, a blasting charge is inserted into an inner bagarranged in the container and a pressure wave is created by means ofdetonating the blasting charge in order to transform the fluid into anaerosol-mist. By means of separately filling the inner bag with theblasting charge and the container with the extinguishing fluid, blastingcharge and extinguishing fluid can be handled separately from eachother. Hereby, influences of the extinguishing fluid on the blastingcharge can be avoided. Especially preferred, a container in the sense ofthe description of the method according to the invention can also be aninner container as described above. The method can be accomplished, bymeans of filling the container with extinguishing fluid first and theninserting the blasting charge into the inner bag. These method stepscan, however, also be conducted in changed order.

Especially preferred, the blasting charge is detonated in a containerdropped above the heart of the fire and filled with extinguishing fluid,at the time when the container is in a predetermined height over theheart of the fire. The necessary height can without a problem bedetermined by means of field experiments. The height is among othersdependent on the relative, geographic position of the container inrelation to the heart of the fire, the form of the ground (flat orhilly), the direction of the wind and the strength of the wind, thequantity of extinguishing fluid and the blasting charge.

In order to warn people in the area of the fire of the explosion, it issensible to give a warning prior to detonation of the blasting charge,for example a sound signal or a light signal.

In order to fight a larger fire or a fire front, it is sensible todetonate blasting charges in several containers with extinguishingfluid, especially if these are detonated set offset to each other.Especially where an airplane is used to transport the container, it isadvantageous, to drop the containers one after the other out of theairplane and to detonate one after the other. In this fashion, acorridor can be created within the fire.

Especially preferred, the detonation timing is determined by means of acalculation unit based on at least one or in combination of thefollowing influencing factors: Geographic coordinates, height of flight,result of an infrared-measurement, velocity over ground, direction ofwind, strength of wind, outside temperature, distance to other places,where the extinguishing method is used, desired height of the detonationpoint over ground. For this, the calculation unit compares the measuredinfluence factors with values that are stored in a table.

Especially preferred, the calculation unit has a data management system,in which the used set up and the influences can be stored for eachsingle blasting charge. For this, each blasting charge has anidentification number, under which identification number the used set upand influences are stored. Especially data can be stored under eachidentification number, which data represents the flight path taken bythe container with the identified blasting charge. This data can be usedto control and adapt the assumptions used for the calculation of thedetonation timing and the drop timing. The allocation of singleidentification numbers to each single blasting charge furthermore allowsfor blasting charges to be addressed specifically. For example, withalready dropped containers, each detonation timing of each of thedropped containers can be altered by use of radio-frequency signals. Theradio-frequency signal can for example enclose the identificationnumber, in such a way that on the side of the receiver, for example areceiver arranged in a container, the information received with theradio-frequency signal is only transmitted to the detonator, if theidentification number is equal to the one of the blasting charge.

A control unit for an aeronautical vehicle according to the inventionhas an adapter for connecting the control unit to the aeronauticalvehicle and has at least one of the following elements: Heat picturesensor, ground distance radar, video camera, especially for360°-inspection and protocolling, long distance data transmission units,communication-relay stations, especially for communication between thepeople engaged in the fire fighting, and synchronisation units, forsynchronising of aeronautical vehicles flying in a special formation.Such a control unit can in an easy fashion, namely by means of thematching adapter—be connected to a standard airplane, helicopter,balloon or the like.

In an preferred embodiment, the control unit has a laser tracker. Thislaser tracker allows for control of the position of the container.Especially the laser tracker scans the area below the aeronauticalvehicle. Even if the method is conducted with several containers, such alaser tracker can control the position of the respective containers.This is especially desired, after the container has been dropped, inorder to find out, whether the containers have reached their desiredposition. Furthermore, protocolling of the flight path of each droppedcontainer allows for conclusions to be drawn about the surroundingconditions. This information can be used and accounted for in furtherdrops.

The control unit is preferably used for the above-mentioned methodaccording to the invention. Thus a device is created for gaining thenecessary data in order to determine the detonation timing, which in aneasy fashion can be connected to the above-mentioned airplanes etc. Thusan aeronautical vehicle can be quickly equipped for an extinguishingmission.

Preferably the control unit has communication means for communicationwith the detonator. These communication means can be a known cableconnection. Especially preferred, these means are emitters forradio-frequency signals or the like, like for example blue-toothemitting-units.

In especially preferred embodiment, the outer form of the control unitis in accordance to a protective shield protecting the aeronauticalvehicle from an extinguishing device as described above hanging from theaeronautical vehicle. In this manner it is prevented that detonation ofthe blasting charge in the surroundings of the aeronautical vehicleleads to damage of the aeronautical vehicle.

Likewise, the protective device for an aeronautical vehicle is proposedaccording to the invention, which has a protective shield, that protectsthe aeronautical vehicle from an extinguishing device as describedabove, that is hanging from the aeronautical vehicle. Also whenconducting the above-mentioned method without means for data collectionin a control unit, it is advantageous, to protect the aeronauticalvehicle for damages through the explosion.

The protective shield preferably has a discus-shape.

Preferably the aeronautical vehicle and—if used—the above describedcontrol unit are connected with the above described extinguishing deviceto build a extinguishing system. For this, the container is picked up bythe aeronautical vehicle by means of a remote-hook. This remote-hookpreferably contains of several component-sections, which by means ofdividing up in intermediate sections do not relay the vertical forcescaused to the aeronautical vehicle. This allows the detonation to takeplace, even if the container is hanging from the remote-hook.

The device according to the invention and the method according to theinvention can especially be used for extinguishing forest fires, forextinguishing fires on oil-platforms or for rescuing forest workers thatare closed in.

Below, the invention will be described by means of a drawing showingexamples. In this drawing:

FIG. 1 to 4 shows embodiments of the extinguishing device according tothe invention,

FIG. 5 shows a detail of the extinguishing device according to theinvention and

FIG. 6 shows an extinguishing system according to the invention.

By using the same reference numbers for like elements, FIG. 1 to 4 showa container 1 of the extinguishing device according to the invention. InFIG. 1 this container has a form of a drop, in FIG. 2 the form of aroller, in FIG. 3 the form of a cuboid, and in FIG. 4 the form of asphere. Within the container 1 there is an inner container notrepresented in more detail, which is filled with extinguishing fluid. Ofthe inner container an end 3, reaching out of the opening 2 of thecontainer 1 (filling nozzle) can be seen. This end 3 is used for closingthe inner container, after the inner container has been filled withextinguishing fluid, for example by means of welding, whereby the overstanding parts are cut off. Carrying strings 4 as gripping loops arearranged on the container 1. By means of the carrying strings 4 thecontainer 1 can be transported by means of an aeronautical vehicle, forexample a helicopter.

Inside of the container 1, a net-shaped inner bag 5 is arranged. Thishas a closed end 6 and an end 7 with an opening. At the end 7 with theopening, holding strings 8 are arranged, by means of which the inner bag5 can be connected to the end 3 of the inner container that is reachingout of the opening 2. Therefore the inner bag 5 is arranged in the innercontainer in a hanging position. By means of the length of the holdingstrings 8 the position of the inner bag 5 can be influenced. Within theinner bag 5, a blasting charge 9 is arranged. For a better positioningof the blasting charge inside the inner container, the inner bag has astring 10. This is connected to the inner bag 5 at the closed end 6 ofthe inner bag 5. At the other end, the string 10 is connected to theinner container, especially preferred by means of welding.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, a detonation cable 11 is connected to theblasting charge 9. This is guided out of the opening 2 and out of theend 3 of the inner container reaching out of the opening 2 and led to andetonation unit not shown.

The extinguishing system as shown in FIG. 6 has the extinguishing device20 according to the invention, a transport element 4 connected to a hook21 and a holding rope 22, that is connected to an aid-weight 23.Furthermore, the aid-weight 23 is connected by means of a holding rope24 with an protective shield 25. The protective shield 25 is connectedby means of a holding rope 26 with a helicopter 27. Within theprotective shield 25, a heat image sensor, a ground distance radar, avideo camera, a long distance data transfer unit, a communication-relaystation and a laser tracker are arranged.

1. An extinguishing device, comprising: a container having an interiorfor accommodating an extinguishing fluid: and an inner bag arranged inthe container to provide a holding device for a blasting charge.
 2. Theextinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the container has acontainer wall which is made of textile.
 3. The extinguishing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the container includes an inner containerreceptacle which encloses the extinguishing fluid.
 4. The extinguishingdevice according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the container andthe inner receptacle has an inner coating.
 5. The extinguishing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the container is configured to exhibit anaerodynamic shape.
 6. The extinguishing device according to claim 5,wherein the container has a drop shaped configuration.
 7. Theextinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the container isconstructed to include flight-stabilizing elements.
 8. The extinguishingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising gripping-loops attachedto the container for engagement of a gripping element of a transportdevice,
 9. The extinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein thecontainer has a top formed with a fill-opening for introduction of theextinguishing fluid.
 10. The extinguishing device according to claim 1,wherein the inner bag has an opening, which is connected to an openingof the container in such a way, that the inner bag can be filled fromoutside.
 11. The extinguishing device according to claim 1, the innerbag is constructed to be adjustable in size and length.
 12. A controlunit for an aeronautical vehicle, comprising an adapter for connectingthe control unit to an aeronautical vehicle, said control unit beingconstructed to accommodate at least one element selected from the groupconsisting of heat image sensor, ground distance radar, video camera,long-distance data transmission unit, communications-relays-station, andlaser tracker.
 13. The control unit according to claim 12, having anouter form to provide a protective shield for protecting theaeronautical vehicle from an extinguishing device according to claim 1.14. A protective device for an aeronautical vehicle, comprising aprotective shield to protect an aeronautical vehicle from anextinguishing device according to claim 1, that is hanging from theaeronautical vehicle, said protective shield being positioned betweenthe aeronautical vehicle and the extinguishing device.
 15. Anextinguishing system, comprising an aeronautical vehicle and anextinguishing device according to claim 1 connected to the aeronauticalvehicle in a detachable manner.
 16. The extinguishing system accordingto claim 15, further comprising a control unit including an adapter forconnecting the control unit to the aeronautical vehicle, said controlunit being constructed to accommodate at least one element selected fromthe group consisting of heat image sensor, ground distance radar, videocamera, long-distance data transmission unit,communications-relays-station, and laser tracker.
 17. A method ofextinguishing a fire, comprising the steps of: filling a container withextinguishing fluid, inserting a blasting charge into an inner bagarranged within the container, and detonating the blasting charge tothereby trigger a pressure wave for transforming the extinguishing fluidinto an aerosol-mist.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein thedetonating step is executed when the container is dropped above thesource of fire from a predetermined height.
 19. The method according toclaim 17, further comprising the step of warning ground personnel beforethe before the detonating step.
 20. The method according to claim 17,several of said containers are filled with extinguishing fluid and ablasting charge, further comprising the step of detonating the blastingcharge in the containers in a staggered manner.
 21. The method accordingto claim 17, wherein a timing of the detonating step is determined bymeans of a calculation unit on the basis of at least one influencingfactor selected from the group consisting of geographic coordinates,flight height, result of an infrared-measuring, speed above ground,direction of wind, wind force, outside temperature, distance to a site,where the extinguishing method is executed, desired height for thedetonation point above ground, and combinations thereof.
 22. Theextinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the container is madeof water-tight material.
 23. The extinguishing device according to claim1, wherein the inner bag is made of a flexible material selected fromthe group consisting of textile and plastic.
 24. The extinguishingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the inner bag is perforated. 25.The extinguishing device according to claim 1, wherein the blastingcharge in the inner bag is held in the mass centre of the container. 26.The extinguishing device according to claim 3, wherein the receptacle ismade of several layers with an outermost layer being bonded to an insidesurface of the container.
 27. The extinguishing device according toclaim 3, wherein the at least one of the receptacle and container ismade of biodegradable material.
 28. The extinguishing device accordingto claim 1, wherein the inner bag is constructed in the form of a closedelongated hose having an opening in alignment with an opening of thecontainer.
 29. The extinguishing device according to claim 1, whereinthe inner bag has strings for attachment to the container.
 30. Theextinguishing device according to claim 1, further comprising areflector provided on an outside of the container to allow a checking ofa position of the container.